Škoda Enyaq iV RS

Overview

Chuck your sensible hat out the window, because the 2023 Skoda Enyaq iV RS is the Czech brand’s electric SUV with a serious shot of adrenaline! This top-dog, all-wheel-drive Enyaq was a short-lived firecracker in 2023, blending family practicality with a much sportier punch from its Czech Republic factory. It's a discontinued gem, so you'll be hunting on the EU used market, with prices around €44,390. Think of it as the Enyaq that hit the gym and came back looking mean – in a good way, of course. It’s all about that performance edge without sacrificing everyday usability.

What's New for 2023?

The big news for the 2023 Enyaq lineup was really the arrival of this very RS model, bringing its potent dual-motor setup and aggressive styling to the party for its single model year. Alongside the RS-specific goodies, it benefited from Skoda’s latest software updates rolling out at the time. This typically included enhancements to the infotainment system’s responsiveness, tweaked battery management for better longevity – like a handy Battery Care Mode – and potentially an improved charging curve for quicker top-ups. So, it wasn't just faster, it was smarter too!

Design & Exterior

The Enyaq iV RS isn't shy, boasting a properly mean stance. Up front, you often get Skoda's illuminated 'Crystal Face' grille, flanked by sharp LED Matrix headlights. RS-specific bumpers, gloss black trim everywhere, and beefy alloy wheels (typically 20 or 21-inchers) scream performance. It’s got a sleek, coupe-ish roofline for an SUV, measuring 4653 mm long, 1879 mm wide (excluding mirrors), and 1604 mm tall. Some even rock a vibrant Mamba Green paint, ensuring you won't lose it in a car park! It's a head-turner, no doubt.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Slide inside the RS, and you’re greeted by sporty bucket seats, often trimmed in leather and Alcantara with bright contrast stitching – proper sporty vibes! The cabin quality is top-notch for a Skoda, with plenty of soft-touch materials. There’s ample room for five passengers, thanks to the MEB platform's 2768 mm wheelbase. You get a massive 13-inch central touchscreen and a neat digital driver’s display, both running Skoda’s slick infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Boot space? A whopping 585 litres, expanding to 1710 litres with seats down. No frunk though, sadly.

Performance & Driving Experience

This is where the RS truly shines! With two motors – an induction motor up front and a permanent magnet synchronous motor at the rear – chucking out a combined 220 kW and a hefty 460 Nm of torque, this all-wheel-drive SUV is properly nippy. It’ll blast from 0-100 km/h in a claimed 6.2 seconds, hitting a top speed of 180 km/h. The ride is firmer than a standard Enyaq, thanks to sports suspension, offering keen handling and great grip from its 2258 kg curb weight, yet it’s still comfortable for daily duties.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Enyaq iV RS packs a 77 kWh usable battery (82 kWh nominal), delivering a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range of around 439 km – pretty decent for a sporty SUV. Efficiency is rated at a solid 5.7 km/kWh. For charging, its 400V architecture uses a CCS Type 2 port. You’ve got an 11 kW AC on-board charger as standard, meaning a full top-up overnight takes roughly 7-8 hours. Find a speedy DC charger, and it’ll guzzle juice at up to 175 kW, taking you from 10-80% in about 30-35 minutes.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Skoda doesn't skimp on safety, and the Enyaq iV RS proudly wears a 5-star Euro NCAP rating. You get a good suite of standard kit to keep you secure, including Front Assist with emergency braking, Lane Assist to stop you wandering, and usually Adaptive Cruise Control for relaxed motorway miles. Traffic Sign Recognition is also typically standard. You could often spec up to Travel Assist for even smarter cruising, plus add Side Assist (blind-spot monitoring) and a 360-degree camera system for ultimate parking confidence.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Skoda’s European warranty typically covers the Enyaq iV RS for 2 years with unlimited kilometres for the vehicle itself, and 3 years for paint defects. Crucially, the high-voltage battery gets a more substantial 8-year or 160,000 km warranty, guaranteeing at least 70% of its original capacity – peace of mind motoring! Maintenance is generally minimal with EVs, but check with your local dealer for specific service schedules. The Enyaq platform has proven pretty reliable, which is always a bonus when you're buying a performance-focused family wagon.